Renowned for her role in late '90s, early '00s rock band Killing Heidi, Ella Hooper has seamlessly transitioned into a flourishing solo career, showcasing her prowess in lyric-driven country, folk, and Americana music.
A five-time ARIA Award winner, including the prestigious Most Popular in 2001, Ella is touring her 2023 album 'Small Town Temple', a soulful exploration of her emotional connection to family, hometown, and childhood."I'm excited to announce I'm doing a run of beautiful theatres and performing arts centres in mostly regional and less travelled (for me) places.
"I'm also thrilled to announce the one and only Melody Pool is joining us to share her incredible talent and play new songs from her upcoming long awaited third album.
"Mel and I have a long and loving history of collaboration, and she is truly one of my favourite artists in Australia or anywhere else, so getting to see her perform each night is going to be PRETTY special."
G'day Ella. Hope you are well. How has your 2024 been so far?
G'day! It's been non-stop actually! I've got a wealth of projects on the go keeping me super busy, but it's been very good to me so far.
The current live show is based around your 2023 album 'Small Town Temple'; how does that material transfer to the live setting as well as complement your extensive back catalogue?
Yes, it's amazing how the songs off 'Small Town Temple' go when stripped back; I did kind of write them with simplicity in mind.
They are really storytelling songs, so even though I love the bells and whistles on the record, they shine in a stripped-back format too, like what I'm bringing on this performance at RPAC.
Any older songs I play often get a reinterpretation as I've dabbled in Many genres over the years, and the key is picking my favourites and giving them a new lick of sonic paint to make the show feel cohesive. At the moment I'm playing some verses songs, some solo songs and a cover or two.
The upcoming run of theatre shows will travel to mostly regional centres and lesser known metro venues; was that a point of emphasis to visit to places less likely to receive regular live music?
Yes! I'm thrilled to be reaching so far into the regions this time. Growing up in the country myself I know how much I longed for entertainment and a bit of novelty, so I'm so happy to provide that. It can also be that those audiences are the most fun to play to too. They go off.
You're bringing along for the ride the super talented Melody Pool; for those new to her work, what does Melody bring to the stage as well as song that makes her such a captivating (yet unheralded) performer?
She is Australia's best kept secret, an incredible songwriter and singer who is world-class, she has her own unique style too.
People often can't believe Mel is as young as she is when they hear her music because she is such a wise, old soul and that comes out in her beautiful lyrics and timeless melodies (no pun intended).
We plan on playing some songs together on this tour, as the chance to sing harmonies with Mel is something special. She's also a dear friend; we call each other our sister. There has always been a strong connection there.
The art of performance and engaging an audience post-COVID; how much did the interruptions and lack of live performance allow you to reassess what you present in a live setting? Any ideas born from that time that still resonate?
Even though I've always believed in bringing 110 per cent to every performance I think I've relaxed a lot since the big COVID break, in terms of my performance energy.
I think going through so much personally and professionally in the last few years, that's weirdly stood me in good stead coming back to touring, post-COVID. Every one went through something intense, and songwriters channel that.
Plus, not only did I have a tonne of new songs, but I was much better at guitar from all that time cooped up just playing! I feel now that I can do more with less, like I'm happy to play solo or duo mode and confidently feel that's a strong enough offering. I trust my material more. I employ less razzle dazzle, more heart.
You also have a minor support on a bill with the little know Chris Isaak (squeal!!); as a fanboy myself, how excited are you for that opportunity?
I am right there with you squealing! I cannot quote believe it. He's a bit of an icon and I have learnt so many songs of his over the years for fun, but getting to warm the stage for him is nuts, a real honour.
I may have bought a special new punk electric guitar for the occasion. I gotta step my look up for this one, 'cause he is also a fashion icon (to me!).
You'll also be performing with James Taylor as part of his a day on the green shows; with all that you have achieved with your own career, are these still 'pinch-yourself moments' when such offers are presented?
One hundred per cent! I have to pinch myself hard! That's why I love this journey and this job, because there's always a new, crazy reveal or opportunity around the corner, for me, it seems.
I mean I work hard for it, but I feel like the universe is rewarding me at the moment for taking risks and NOT staying in my lane and I just love that. Playing with James will be very emotional as he is family favourite.
New music. . . anything on the horizon you can share with us?
I'm absolutely working away on new stuff. I've been collecting songs for the next solo album, but the tricky thing is finding time to record them, haha! The blessing and the curse of being so busy.
Hopefully early next year I'll pop out another album. I DO have a live EP coming out 19 April. It's my fave tracks off 'Small Town Temple' but done in the touring rock band style the way we do it live, recorded by the lovely guys at Fight Night Studios in Abbotsford, Melbourne.
Ella Hooper 2024 Tour Dates
Fri 5 Apr - Redland Performing Arts Centre (Brisbane)Fri 12 Apr - Odessa's (Creswick, VIC)
Fri 17 May - The Wedge (Gippsland)
Sat 18 May - Kingston City Hall (Melbourne)
Mon 20 May - Portland Arts Centre (VIC)
Tue 21 May - Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (VIC)
Wed 22 May - Lighthouse Theatre (Warrnambool)
Sat 25 May - Araluen Arts Centre (Alice Springs)
Fri 21 Jun - Horsham Town Hall
